Links of Interest

“The Status Quo Does Not Need World-Building,” by Kate Elliot. Nicely said. “The more minimal the world building, the more the status quo is highlighted without anything needed to be said.” http://www.tor.com/blogs/2013/11/the-status-quo-does-not-need-world-building

“Never Say You Can’t Survive: When Is It Okay To Write About Someone Else’s Culture or Experience?” by Charlie Jane Anders at Tor.com. A nice discussion on using a marginalized culture or experience in one’s writing. Discusses the ‘tour guide’ phenomenon of many readers seemingly preferring books written by white authors. Also mentions sensitivity readers.

“Set Truth on Stun: Reinmagining an Anti-Oppressive SF/F,” by Daniel Jose Older. Round table discussion on science fiction and fantasy, taking off from Nora Jemisin’s recent speech. http://www.strangehorizons.com/2013/20130923/1older-a.shtml

“SF Reading Protocols” by Jo Walton. A very interesting post on science-fiction reading skills.

Note for self (and writers): fabulous post by Aliette de Bodard including cultural diversity in your writing. Seriously awesome advice. Also useful for pinpointing why a particular characterization may bother me though I may be unable to articulate why.

Great post on four women authors and the writers who they admire: http://www.sfsignal.com/archives/2013/04/mind-meld-who-are-your-favorite-women-in-genre/#more-74922

Great post by Carrie Vaughn (Kitty Norville series) and a deconstruction of women in Urban fantasy: http://carriev.wordpress.com/2009/01/07/carries-analysis-of-urban-fantasy-part-iii-deconstructing-urban-fantasy/

Very interesting post on myth and storytelling by Melinda Snodgrass: http://aidanmoher.com/blog/featured-article/2013/05/and-they-lived-happily-ever-after-by-melinda-snodgrass/

Similarly fascinating deconstruction of chicks with guns by Lilith Saintcrow: http://fantasyhotlist.blogspot.com/2008/12/ad-lib-column-lilith-saintcrow.html

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This Insignificant Cinder Amanda’s book reviews. An English teacher with a taste for hick-lit.